HIST 2301A: Canadian Political History
Fall 2021
Instructor: Prof. Paul Litt
Introduction: This course provides an overview of the main issues and events of Canadian political history since Confederation. Politics is about acquiring, keeping, sharing and exercising power. The political history of Canada chronicles how those processes have formed the Canadian state and how it, in turn, has shaped the people and territory it governs.
You will learn about the Canadian political system, the people, parties, beliefs, problems and controversies that have characterized its history, and how they have reflected the issues that concern Canadians of different backgrounds, regions and walks of life.
The course is chronological in structure with in-depth exploration of the interaction over time of the following themes:
- Canada as a Modern Project
- Settler-Colonialism, Racism and Immigration
- State Formation & Nation-Building
- Liberal Democracy and Social Justice
- Party Politics and Leadership
Aims and Goals: The purpose of this course is to develop your knowledge of the above themes and to develop a) disciplinary skills in research, methodology, and analysis, b) your awareness of the nature and relevance of history, and c) your ability to communicate historical knowledge and thinking both orally and in writing.
Class Format: This is an blended online course that will consist of two weekly topics, each of which will be explored through lectures, assigned texts in various media, small group teamwork, interactive exercises and short written assignments.
Assessment: Evaluation will be based on written responses about weekly topics, a research essay project, class participation, and a final exam.
Text: John Douglas Belshaw, Canadian History: Post-Confederation (BC Campus: OpenEd) https://opentextbc.ca/postconfederation/
Questions? Please email me at: paul.litt@carleton.ca